While veteran cinematographer Archie Stout was reaching the end of the Hopalong Cassidy trail, Hills of Old Wyoming welcomed Russell Hayden as Hoppy's impetuous young sidekick. Producer Harry Sherman had reportedly personally picked the former Pate Lucid (yep, that was Hayden's real moniker) to replace James Ellison, who was instead promised his own series of Rex Beach stories. The novice actor did so well in tests that instead of merely filling Ellison's shoes as Johnny Nelson, the brand new character of Lucky Jenkins was created. A bit older than Ellison, Hayden seems relaxed and perfectly at home among the veteran cast members in this, his first acting role, which was not too surprising considering that he had functioned as production manager on previous Hoppy films. Hills of Old Wyoming is almost startlingly pro-Native American, the only "bad" Injun here being half-breed Steve Clemento. "Lone Eagle half white. That half bad," as William Boyd explains to Chief John Big Tree at one point. And if the line appears patronizing to a modern audience, it was well meant at the time. Also in the cast are Stephen Morris (aka Morris Ankrum) in his third Boss Villain role in a row and veteran silent screen star Clara Kimball Young, who engages in some funny if familiar banter with comedy sidekick George "Gabby" Hayes. A major box-office attraction of the 1910s, Young spent her declining years playing supporting roles in mostly Grade-B films but not, as some have suggested, as a dress extra.
by Hans J. Wollstein
review
